A method for filling and venting a device for extracorporeal blood treatment is disclosed, such as a patient module in a heart-lung machine, without attached patient. A filling liquid from a filling liquid container located higher than the device flows by gravity via a venous side of the system into a reservoir and flows onwards into a blood pump located at the lower end of the reservoir, wherein a first controllable valve (HC1) for a venting line of a filter is opened and, after the response of an upper filling level sensor in the reservoir, is closed. An upper level of the filter is positioned higher than the upper filling level sensor, and a start-stop motion of the blood pump is performed, as a result of which a stepped flooding of the filter is made providing for an advantageous de-airing of the device.

A cannula for connecting a medical device to a biological system is taught. The cannula includes a tissue engagement portion, preferably in the form of an annulus, to which a vacuum is applied through the cannula to attract and hold tissue of the biological system in an initial connection while an affixment device is applied to complete the connection. In addition to a working fluid conduit, comprising a main port, a working fluid passage and a working fluid port, and a port to apply the vacuum, the cannula can include a sensor port to allow sensing pressure or other characteristics of the working fluid at a point closely adjacent to the connection between the cannula and the biological system.

A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the oxygenation of a graft, comprising: a) mixing an organ storage solution preferably with at least one molecule chosen from extracellular hemoglobin from annelids, its globins and its globin protomers, in order to obtain a composition, in a sealed container; b) immersion of the graft in the composition obtained in a); c) the introduction of an oxygen probe in the composition obtained in a), or in the composition of step b); and d) the closure of the hermetic container, steps c) and d) being carried out simultaneously or in any order.

It also relates to a method for determining the viability of a graft.

The present invention provides a composition that can preserve biomaterials. The biomaterial preservation composition of the present invention includes a microbubble.

A perfusion bioreactor and a perfusion device. Each perfusion device has a mesh structure, and an encapsulated organ tissue (EOT) disposed in the mesh structure. The EOT has a body with a thickness defined between a first surface of the body and a second surface of the body. The body has at least one channel extending into the body from one of the first and second surfaces to receive a fluid therein. The at least one channel has a diameter selected to diffuse solutes out of the fluid and into the body. The perfusion devices are arranged one adjacent to another and spaced apart from each other along the length of the bioreactor to receive fluid, and to perfuse the fluid to the EOT of each perfusion device and to the at least one channel therein. A method of processing blood plasma and an artificial liver system are also disclosed.

The present disclosure provides methods to improve the viability of an organ, or organs, by continuously administering a composition comprising NO.sub.x gas directly to the organ(s).

System and method for maintaining an organ and transporting the organ from a donor to a recipient, maintaining normothermic temperature of the organ. The system includes a circulation system providing oxygenated perfusate to the organ and enabling continuous monitoring of the perfusate moving through the organ. The tank can provide an inlet that can accept selected infusible materials, and an outlet that can enable sampling and waste removal. The system can continually monitor the solution bath in which the organ is bathed, and the system can manage the composition of the gas in the tank.

One aspect of the invention provides a multichamber bioreactor. The multichamber bioreactor includes multiple planar layers stacked on each other defining at least one chamber and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a housing and retaining means received in the housing and configured to generate a controlled and uniform pressure to secure the stacked multiple planar layers in the housing. Each chamber is implemented from a separate fluidic layer, with each fluidic layer having ports and valves independent of the other layers. The micro fluidic ports can be actuated through a micro fluidic interconnect system utilizing rotary cylinder valves.

The present invention relates to organ perfusion systems that can be used at room temperature. The organ perfusion systems do not comprise a temperature controller. In some embodiments, the organ perfusion systems do not comprise a cleaning device for cleaning the perfusion fluid. The perfusion fluid can comprise Williams' medium E. The organ perfusion systems can be portable and can be used to preserving an organ, preventing ischemic damage in an organ, or recovering an ischemically damaged organ.